Restaurant/ Bar

Auburn is fortunate to have a rich blend of eateries in town. Help add to the mix by bringing your flavors to town.

Zoning:

Cities are zoned such that certain types of businesses are allowed in certain locations. Before you move forward with your project, check the zoning of your potential location to make sure that your business is an allowed use. You can contact the Planning Department to check zoning, or you can view permitted uses here.


Building Permits:

1. Building permits are required for new construction, additions, alterations, or repairs to a building. They are also triggered by plumbing or electrical installations.
2. Grease interceptors are required in buildings where food is being prepared.
3. ADA Upgrades: For alterations to existing buildings that are not already ADA compliant, the applicant will need to invest an additional 20% of their project value toward ADA upgrades.
4. Click here for an application or contact the Building Department for more information.


Fire Department Approval:

1. Sprinkler systems are required in new buildings.
2. New sprinkler systems, or modifications or additions to existing fire sprinkler systems will need to be approved and inspected by the Fire Department.
3. Ventilation hoods equipped with a fire suppression system are required to be installed where grease laden vapors are produced.
4. For projects located at the Airport Industrial Park, plans will need to be reviewed and inspected by the Placer County Fire Department. Contact CALFIRE for more information.

Health Department Approval:

1. All restaurants, bars, and retail food markets must obtain a permit to operate from Placer County Environmental Health.

Alcoholic Beverage Control:

1. If you plan on serving alcohol at your establishment, you will need to first obtain a permit through the ABC.
2. For more information regarding the permitting process click here.

Design Review Permit:

1. Required for the construction of new commercial, office, industrial, and multifamily residential buildings.
2. Required for additions which increase the building floor area by more than 20%, or 2.500 feet, whichever is less.
3. Required for exterior remodeling which includes more than 50% of the lineal frontage of any one building façade.
4. Required for modifications of buildings with an existing design review permit.
5. Click here for an application or contact the Planning Department for more details. The Auburn Municipal Code for Design Review Permits can be found here.

Historic Design Review Permit:

1. Historic Design Review applies to projects located within the Historic Design Review District, or properties that have been designated a historic resource.
2. Required for construction of all new commercial, office, industrial, and multifamily residential buildings.
3. Required for alterations, remodeling, or additions to existing structures.
4. Required for external changes to a building, including painting and re-roofing, where the new colors and materials are not similar to the existing colors and materials.
5. Required for modifications to existing Historic Design Review Permits.
6. Click here for an application or contact the Planning Department for more details. The Auburn Municipal Code for Historic Design Review Permits can be found here.


Outdoor Seating Permit:

1. Limited outdoor seating, up to a maximum of 12 seats, may be allowed in conjunction with an existing eating establishment subject to the approval by Planning and Public Works Director.
2. Click here for an application or contact the Planning Department for more information. The Auburn municipal code for Outdoor Seating can be found here: AMC 159.478

Sign Permit:

1. Sign Permits are required for new signs as well as any modification to existing signage.
2. Click here for an application or contact the Planning Department for more details. The Auburn Municipal Code for Signage can be found here. 159.188

Business License:

1. All businesses operating within City Limits will require a business license.
2. Seller’s Permit: Required to sell or lease tangible personal property that would ordinarily be subject to sales tax.
3. Contact the Finance Department for more information.


Other Considerations

*Changes in use may have an effect on sewer billing. Contact Public Works for more information.
*Parking will need to be provided for your business. Contact the Planning Department to determine how parking requirements will impact your project.
*Keep in mind that Auburn is a unique town with a lot of history. While these guides are meant to provide you with a path to realize your dream, site specific challenges may require additional steps.